Lent: Why Now?

I love television. Recently, I have discovered great shows both classics and new, and I have a Netflix queue that just won't quit. As a result, I spend a vast majority of my free time (and some time I should probably use to write papers) watching television.

As a result, I don't spend a ton of time with God. This is an ongoing problem. It would appear that much like any relationship, you really have to invest the time with God. Lately I've longed to rediscover that relationship, so I thought Lent would be the perfect time to do so. In order to that, I am ditching the TV for the next 40 days. And the Netflix queue. And Hulu. Today is my "Fat TV Tuesday," so to speak.

I actually grew up Catholic, although I never participated in Lent during that time. I know that for a lot of people, Lent means fasting when I comes to food. As weird as it may be, not only has television proved to be a giant distraction that gets in the way, it also is something that has a LOT of value in my life. Jesus himself spent time fasting. My "sacrifice" is a ridiculous comparison, but in the end it will have the result I want: a better, stronger, relationship with God.

I've spent the last several weeks searching for the perfect devotional. I've asked friends, neighbors, strangers, and you, our listener, for advice No matter how many I checked out, it felt as though none were quite right. I need a devotional that will allow me to know God. In a way that makes me feel as though God knows me.

Enter the Bible. And well...God. It took a while, but I think, at least for now, the best way for me to get to know God is to read about Him. While I've definitely read the Bible before, I need to be honest and tell you that despite having been a Christian for just over four years, I have never read the entire Bible. I like to skip around to my favorite parts. In doing so, I have missed some really cool stuff.

So these next several weeks (or 40 days, if you don't count Sundays, or whatever the rules of Lent actually are) are going to kick-start my actual reading of the Bible. I won't be skipping around, although I will be starting with the Gospels. I just can't help it--that Jesus guy is sooo awesome! I did end up finding a short devotional as well, that will help me spend more time actually talking to God too. :)

I've decided to blog the experience. I'm not blogging because I think you actually care to know how I'm doing with the TV thing, but because I think we all struggle with distractions on a daily basis that keep us from spending time with our Father. Hopefully, these next 40 days will inspire you or even help you to spend some more time with God as well.

As always, please feel free to leave any comments or questions! And pray for me, because as silly as it may be, I think I might miss "How I Met Your Mother." :) :)